Glasgow joins Buenos Aires and Medellin on Youth Olympics shortlist

Glasgow has made a three-city shortlist to host the 2018 Youth Olympics and faces competition from Buenos Aires in Argentina and Medellin in Colombia.

Mexico's Guadalajara and Rotterdam, Netherlands, did not make the final list, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge revealed.

The final three bid cities face further questioning and assessment from the IOC before members elect the host in July.

Glasgow is already preparing to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

More than 100 young people gathered in Glasgow's main rail terminal, Central Station, for a contemporary dance flashmob to celebrate the news.

Sir Craig Reedie, vice-president of the IOC, said: "This is a proud moment for me as a Scot and a Glaswegian.

Existing venues

"To have my home city shortlisted is a tremendous honour."

The city has a proven track record of delivering major international sporting eventsKatherine Grainger, Olympic gold medallist

The report from the Youth Olympics working group, headed by German Olympic silver medallist and world champion fencer Claudia Bokel, praised Glasgow's bid for its use of existing venues and for drawing on the experience of both the Commonwealth Games and last year's Olympic Games in London.

British Olympic Committee chairman Seb Coe said: "It is an honour to have Glasgow shortlisted to host the YOG in 2018.

"London 2012 inspired young people like never before and there is now a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the UK to take the next step on the Olympic journey to empower young people globally."

As with the senior elite competition, the Youth Olympics are held once every four years.

Singapore staged the first competition in 2010 and the next is in Nanjing, China, in 2014.

'Track record'

Up to 3,600 athletes, aged 15-18, are set to take part in 28 Olympic sports at the 12-day 2018 Games.

Britain's most successful female rower and London 2012 gold medallist Katherine Grainger said: "For many young athletes, the Youth Olympic Games will be the first step towards competing at the very highest level and it is fantastic to think that they may be taking those steps in Glasgow.

"The city has a proven track record of delivering major international sporting events in world-class facilities in front of passionate crowds - something that any young athlete would respond to."

The Youth Olympics decision has also been welcomed by Lord Smith, chairman of the Glasgow 2014 committee for the Commonwealth Games.

"Scotland has a growing reputation for staging successful world-class events and securing the 2018 Youth Olympic Games would be a fantastic opportunity to build on the experience and skills developed through delivering an outstanding Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014," he said.

"Hosting another global sporting event in the city will continue to develop real legacy and impact from Glasgow 2014, as well as demonstrating the warmth and enthusiasm the city and Scotland hold for athletes and spectators."